Max Truck Camper Payload Ratings of the Ford Ranger Mid-Size Pickup

With a US class-leading payload of 1,905 pounds, the Ford Ranger mid-size truck is an outstanding choice when it comes to hauling a small truck camper or topper. But before you buy, it’s important to know what the truck is rated for when it comes to payload. Why is the payload rating so important when buying a truck camper? Because the payload rating tells you how much weight you can safely carry without overloading your truck. The payload rating includes everything not permanently attached to your truck such as passengers, the camper, and all cargo. In this article, we present the max truck camper payload ratings of the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck.

Unfortunately, finding Ford’s payload and GVWR ratings online can be a chore and very time consuming. Many sources have incomplete information or inaccurate information entirely. Fortunately, Truck Camper Adventure has done the research for you. Now you can find all of these ratings in one, easy-to-read location. In order to streamline the payload information presented in our chart, only Ford’s XLT trim is presented though various options including drivetrain (2WD and 4WD) and bed-size are presented to help buyers make the right choice.

Ford Ranger

While Ford offers only one engine for this mid-size truck—the 2.3L V4—it generates an impressive 270 horsepower at 5,500 rpms, and 310 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpms. Customers can choose between either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Standard offerings for the 2023 Ford Ranger include a 3:73 rear axle, 17-inch wheels, an 18-gallon gas tank, a 150 amp alternator, and a standard 126.8-inch wheelbase except for the supercrew, 6-foot bed which will feature a longer, undisclosed wheelbase.

The Tremor 4×4 Off-Road Package includes Ford’s excellent Trail Control and Terrain Management System with seven modes (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Rock, Mud and Ruts, Sand, Baja), a higher road clearance, bash and skid plates, Continental General Grabber 32-inch (LT265/70R17) A/TX tires, tow hooks, six upfitter switches, and a modified heavy-duty suspension.

The 2023 Ranger Raptor offers everything that the Tremor offers plus more, including flared fenders, a Raptor grille, a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 that supposedly will make 392 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque,  a 10-speed automatic, and front and rear lockers. While Ford has remained mum on the Ranger Raptor’s official payload rating here in the US, the Australian Ranger Raptor variant offers a surprisingly high payload rating of 717 kilograms (1,580 pounds). So without further adieu, here are the max truck camper payload ratings of the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup.

• 2023 Base price: XL $27,400
• Powertrain: 2.3L V4 with either a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission
• Max Payload: 1,905 pounds
• Max Towing: 7,500 pounds

A Warning About Options

When it comes to payload, options can either hurt or help a truck’s rating, though this appears less of an issue with the Ford Ranger which offers comparable GVWR/payload rating regardless of cab size. As a truck camper owner, you should always opt for the “maximum payload” or “max tow package” if offered as this maximizes payload. As for other options, however, choose wisely. Yes, having a diesel engine (a possible Ranger option in the future) is great for climbing mountains and raising your testosterone, but it’s also heavier. This means less payload—not to mention more emission hassles—for you. Ditto for 4WD. That feature, while great for driving on rough roads, sand, and snow, isn’t so great for your payload rating—the typical 4WD drivetrain weighs 300 pounds more that the 2WD version.